I like the look of this series. I think Memphis can give them a tough game. I like the way Memphis matches up with them. Two teams with a similar focus on team basketball. Memphis actually do a better job of playing together for my money. Just have less talent. Pau Gasol and Aldridge vs Marc Gasol and Z-Bo. Love the big man matchups. Memphis have a good advantage at PG with Conley. The difference between Kawhi and Grizzlies wings should send the series San Antonio's way but the Grizzlies do have good wing defenders to throw at Kawhi.

I think it'll go 6 or 7 games for the Spurs

Oklahoma City vs Houston

Love this series because of Westbrook vs Harden. The two most ball-dominant stars in the league. The two best solo-ists in the league. Going head to head.

Both teams have average teams outside of their stars. Houston with offensive talent. OKC with defensive talent. The big difference is on the bench. D'Antoni is a huge advantage over Donovan and I expect that to be the difference in the series.

Houston in 6 or 7 games.

Golden State vs Portland

Boring series. Golden State should sweep. Maybe Portland can steal a game if they get hot from 3 or Nurkic has a monster effort. I expect Nurkic to get a major payday after how well he performs in the playoffs against GSW.

LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz

I think these are the two most talented teams in the West outside of Golden State.

The Clippers had a good start to the season but then injuries hit and I don't think they have ever recovered from that. Given that, I am unsure how much of a challenge they end up being this postseason. I hope they can get their act together because they are more talented than SAS and HOU.

Utah have underachieved all year long and I expect them to continue to do so in the playoffs. They just haven't found the right balance between their players. Don't maximize their talent. I am not optimistic about their chances. I'd like to see them change their coach in the off-season.

Boston has a major advantage talent wise over the Bulls. That Chicago team simply does not fit well together and the Celtics should make short work of them. The Bulls main hope of pulling off a surprise display is Mirotic. He is the key to their offense (after Butler).

Boston in 5.

Cleveland vs Indiana

Another huge mismatch in talent. The Cavs have it. The Pacers do not. Cleveland in 4.

Washington vs Atlanta

Two boring teams which nobody really cares about. Not a believer in either team. I'll go with Washington in 6 because they have two creators offensively out on the perimeter and Atlanta goes into regular offensive funks due to the lack of multiple offensive creators on the perimeter.

Toronto vs Milwaukee

I have Toronto as the 2nd most talented team in the East after Cleveland after the additions of Ibaka and PJ Tucker. I love their roster and how the pieces fit together.

I love parts of the Milwaukee team. Brogdon, Giannis, Middleton. Their best bet to win will be through their wing defense on DeRozan. If they can slow DeRozan down - like Paul George did last year - the Bucks can make this a 7 game series and have a real shot at winning.

I am kind of unhappy the Raps got Milwaukee because this is the toughest series they could have gotten. Could go either way. I'll go Toronto in 7.

Utah have underachieved all year long and I expect them to continue to do so in the playoffs. They just haven't found the right balance between their players. Don't maximize their talent. I am not optimistic about their chances. I'd like to see them change their coach in the off-season.

The Clippers should win in 6 if they are healthy.

I couldn't disagree more about your assessment of Utah.

Utah has over-achieved, if anything, when you factor in how many games they have lost to injury this season. George Hill, Derrick Favors, and Rodney Hood have all missed 20+ games, that's 3/5 of their preferred starting lineup. The fact they have been able to keep winning games despite this is a testament to their depth of talent, particularly on the wings, and the solid coaching of Quinn Snyder.

I actually think Snyder has done a fantastic job this year getting the most out of guys like Joe Johnson, who has performed quite admirably as a small ball 4, and Joe Ingles.

Utah have underachieved all year long and I expect them to continue to do so in the playoffs. They just haven't found the right balance between their players. Don't maximize their talent. I am not optimistic about their chances. I'd like to see them change their coach in the off-season.

The Clippers should win in 6 if they are healthy.

I couldn't disagree more about your assessment of Utah.

Utah has over-achieved, if anything, when you factor in how many games they have lost to injury this season. George Hill, Derrick Favors, and Rodney Hood have all missed 20+ games, that's 3/5 of their preferred starting lineup. The fact they have been able to keep winning games despite this is a testament to their depth of talent, particularly on the wings, and the solid coaching of Quinn Snyder.

I actually think Snyder has done a fantastic job this year getting the most out of guys like Joe Johnson, who has performed quite admirably as a small ball 4, and Joe Ingles.

If Hill is in fact now healthy, I expect Utah to pull off the upset.

Yes, I agree with a lot of that.

I think Snyder has done a good job of keeping the team playing well through various injuries.

What I do not like is when they are healthy. I don't think Snyder has developed the team -- a mentality, a style of play, an understanding of how they win and what their roles are in how they achieve that.

I do not like how this team plays together when they are healthy.

I am impressed by what they did through those injuries. I think their team often looks more comfortable (in their roles) when someone is missing. When Favors is out of the mix. More space to operate. When one of the perimeter players is out, easier to distribute touches and shot attempts amongst Hill / Hood / Hayward.

I think Snyder has done a good job to bring the team this far but now they need a new voice to take them to the next level.

Good Lord, this Pacers D is atrocious, and the Cavs D isn't much better. Still just seems like the Cavs are covering up their defensive deficiencies with their good offense, but I don't think that they can get past Toronto like that.

Middleton came back and got in game shape, and Brogdon and Maker developed.

Yep. Middleton's return was a big deal for them, even with the loss of Parker. If they have a fully healthy team to put on the floor next season, they're going to be very interesting. Good on them for stealing game 1.

I'm pretty glad to not have to face either George or Giannis in the playoffs!

We have to face Butler :(

Yea Ill take that trade off any day.

But now we might have to face Butler and the Bulls without IT4 for the first few games because of that tragic accident with his sister. Even if he does play, those feelings will loom large and it's usually tough to overcome such a problem the first few days of it.

Banged knees with Mbah a Moute pretty hard while setting an off ball screen for Hayward. Gobert goes down and can't get up so he crawls on the floor trying to get back on defense. Jazz take a foul and Gobert is helped up and hobbles to the back. Seems like he can't put weight on it.

Banged knees with Mbah a Moute pretty hard while setting an off ball screen for Hayward. Gobert goes down and can't get up so he crawls on the floor trying to get back on defense. Jazz take a foul and Gobert is helped up and hobbles to the back. Seems like he can't put weight on it.

That really sucks! Hopefully after some rest and testing, it won't be as bad as it looked.

A Jazz loss would help with the Hayward chase certainly, but not having HCA, they're expected to lose, which might not be enough of a blow for Hayward to leave.

On the other hand, a loss by the Clippers would almost make big changes this summer inevitable, and Griffin is the prime suspect to change teams. And if he doesn't re-up with LA, then I think we have to be the front-runners for him.

Blake is a much better fit here with our current needs, too, so I'm going to be rooting for a Jazz series win.

Banged knees with Mbah a Moute pretty hard while setting an off ball screen for Hayward. Gobert goes down and can't get up so he crawls on the floor trying to get back on defense. Jazz take a foul and Gobert is helped up and hobbles to the back. Seems like he can't put weight on it.

A Jazz loss would help with the Hayward chase certainly, but not having HCA, they're expected to lose, which might not be enough of a blow for Hayward to leave.

On the other hand, a loss by the Clippers would almost make big changes this summer inevitable, and Griffin is the prime suspect to change teams. And if he doesn't re-up with LA, then I think we have to be the front-runners for him.

Blake is a much better fit here with our current needs, too, so I'm going to be rooting for a Jazz series win.

Yeah, I think I'd rather have Blake here too. He's got 3 point range now and he handles the ball like a guard. We'd have the most versatile frontcourt in the game with Horford and Blake.

A Jazz loss would help with the Hayward chase certainly, but not having HCA, they're expected to lose, which might not be enough of a blow for Hayward to leave.

On the other hand, a loss by the Clippers would almost make big changes this summer inevitable, and Griffin is the prime suspect to change teams. And if he doesn't re-up with LA, then I think we have to be the front-runners for him.

Blake is a much better fit here with our current needs, too, so I'm going to be rooting for a Jazz series win.

I'd say root for LAC to win then get eviscerated by GSW. Hayward would be upset with a lack of progress, while Blake would feel capped by the West.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

am I reading too much into CP3 leaving the presser when they started to question Blake? maybe it has happened b4 but I don't remember it or I missed it. I do remember guys who go in together usually leave at the same time. it seemed as if he was forced to go out there with Blake by Doc, like a show unity type thing but CP3 wasn't really feeling it. Blake did have a no-show 2nd half too.

When you shove a guy as he's passing the ball, that's a foul. If that happened in the 1st quarter, you could call that foul on Blake and not bat an eye

You cannot just shove a guy who has already passed the ball after the 2:00 mark. My point is that Favors got rid of the ball before the foul.

You cannot foul "away from the play". It's not whether he is holding the ball or not. Griffin fouled him when he made the pass. I took a screen cap and I wish I could show you but I don't know how to paste it here.

Point is, that wasnt a particularly bad or suspicious call from the refs. Now, they could've swallowed their whistle and called the foul on DJ against Ingles, but they called the Griffin foul instead.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

This....

definitely no HOF material for DJ. I agree that the Clippers messed it up when they pursued the guy who was already going to Dallas but changed minds when they locked him up...talk about karma and since then they have never made it passed round 2.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

This....

definitely no HOF material for DJ. I agree that the Clippers messed it up when they pursued the guy who was already going to Dallas but changed minds when they locked him up...talk about karma and since then they have never made it passed round 2.

They really should've traded Jordan for a good SG and a backup C (eg. Trade him for Crabbe and Mason Plumlee last summer)

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

This....

definitely no HOF material for DJ. I agree that the Clippers messed it up when they pursued the guy who was already going to Dallas but changed minds when they locked him up...talk about karma and since then they have never made it passed round 2.

am I reading too much into CP3 leaving the presser when they started to question Blake? maybe it has happened b4 but I don't remember it or I missed it. I do remember guys who go in together usually leave at the same time. it seemed as if he was forced to go out there with Blake by Doc, like a show unity type thing but CP3 wasn't really feeling it. Blake did have a no-show 2nd half too.

An NBA writer on the Jim Rome show said that Blake, Jordan, and CP3 don't great along, and that generally the whole team dislikes CP3.

Apparently he is aloof towards his teammates most of the time and spends little time bonding with them, but isn't hesitant to rip them hard when they make mistakes.

He is closer to his superstar Olympic teammates than he is his Clipper teammates.

It is kind of like Kobe during his last few years with the Lakers, except CP3 doesn't have the championship pedigree, and it really rubs a lot of guys the wrong way.

am I reading too much into CP3 leaving the presser when they started to question Blake? maybe it has happened b4 but I don't remember it or I missed it. I do remember guys who go in together usually leave at the same time. it seemed as if he was forced to go out there with Blake by Doc, like a show unity type thing but CP3 wasn't really feeling it. Blake did have a no-show 2nd half too.

An NBA writer on the Jim Rome show said that Blake, Jordan, and CP3 don't great along, and that generally the whole team dislikes CP3.

Apparently he is aloof towards his teammates most of the time and spends little time bonding with them, but isn't hesitant to rip them hard when they make mistakes.

He is closer to his superstar Olympic teammates than he is his Clipper teammates.

It is kind of like Kobe during his last few years with the Lakers, except CP3 doesn't have the championship pedigree, and it really rubs a lot of guys the wrong way.

It thought it was well known that CP3 didn't have the best relationship with Blake and DJ. That's a big reason why DJ almost bolted to Dallas. I get Kobe vibes from Chris Paul - great player, not the best social skills.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

He is an All-Star and is paid like an All-Star. Picking the worst big-men All-Stars you can find and saying "see" is not a debate. And no one is saying DJ is Shaq.

The Clippers problem is that Blake Griffin is no longer a dominant player.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

He is an All-Star and is paid like an All-Star. Picking the worst big-men All-Stars you can find and saying "see" is not a debate. And no one is saying DJ is Shaq.

The Clippers problem is that Blake Griffin is no longer a dominant player.

1. Jordan has made the All-Star team ONCE, yet he's paid essentially the same as Griffin and Paul.

2. Providing examples to illustrate a point has been considered a valid form of argument for millennia.

3. The Clippers haven't just underperformed this season. They've underformed EVERY SINGLE SEASON they've had Paul, Griffin and Jordan.

4. I could go into more detail on the salary cap and on court problems that flow from treating Jordan like he's a lot better than he is, but I get the sense you are committed to deliberately not understanding any of them.

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

He is an All-Star and is paid like an All-Star. Picking the worst big-men All-Stars you can find and saying "see" is not a debate. And no one is saying DJ is Shaq.

The Clippers problem is that Blake Griffin is no longer a dominant player.

1. Jordan has made the All-Star team ONCE, yet he's paid essentially the same as Griffin and Paul.

2. Providing examples to illustrate a point has been considered a valid form of argument for millennia.

3. The Clippers haven't just underperformed this season. They've underformed EVERY SINGLE SEASON they've had Paul, Griffin and Jordan.

4. I could go into more detail on the salary cap and on court problems that flow from treating Jordan like he's a lot better than he is, but I get the sense you are committed to deliberately not understanding any of them.

Mike

You need a wing or SG to be one of the three to be great. And a PG that pass first like Rondo.

If we had traded for him, we'd be legit contenders. He's carrying that Pacers team all on his own.

This team will have shorter window, though.

Not much shorter, PG3 and IT are not old, they are not like Pierce, KG and Ray when they were put together. Horford is, but he's not the key guy that those 3 where. PG3, IT, and Hayward would get it done for many years with guys like Bradley , Smart and Zizic around them.

A younger core wouldn't have a much longer window either. They would need several years to develop into legit NBA contenders, if that even happens.

If we had traded for him, we'd be legit contenders. He's carrying that Pacers team all on his own.

This team will have shorter window, though.

Not much shorter, PG3 and IT are not old, they are not like Pierce, KG and Ray when they were put together. Horford is, but he's not the key guy that those 3 where. PG3, IT, and Hayward would get it done for many years with guys like Bradley , Smart and Zizic around them.

A younger core wouldn't have a much longer window either. They would need several years to develop into legit NBA contenders, if that even happens.

Those young core will reach their potential around the age of 22-25. It won't be that long to develop, especially when they don't have to play on a crappy franchise.

Look at the age of many star players today:

Davis - 24Giannis - 22Kyrie - 24Klay was 25 when they won it allKD was 24 when he won the MVPLebron was 24 when he won his first MVP

If they lose this game at home and with Gobert out? Wow. Talk about choking.

The Clippers have had so many excuses over the years but the reality is they're just not a great team. A very good team but if they had gotten a few breaks over the years, they just would have lost to LeBron in the Finals. The fundamental problem is they overvalued Jordan and that affected every other decision they've made constructing their roster. They've acted like he's their third superstar but he's really not.

Mike

He was an All-Star this year.

Know who else has been an All-Star? Tyson Chandler, Chris Kaman, Jamaal Magloire, Mehmet Okur and Theo Ratliff. That's where Jordan belongs. He's not in that top tier with guys like Shaq or Patrick Ewing. He's not even in the second tier with guys like Alonzo Mourning or Rik Smits.

He's in that third tier, but the Clippers have paid him and built their team like he's lock for the hall of fame.

Mike

He is an All-Star and is paid like an All-Star. Picking the worst big-men All-Stars you can find and saying "see" is not a debate. And no one is saying DJ is Shaq.

The Clippers problem is that Blake Griffin is no longer a dominant player.

4. I could go into more detail on the salary cap and on court problems that flow from treating Jordan like he's a lot better than he is, but I get the sense you are committed to deliberately not understanding any of them.

Mike

Please do. Seriously, state your case Mike because I think you have no idea what you are talking about right now.

I would love to see you justify this point considering they were already over the cap when they re-signed him which means it was give him the money or... don't. There was no alternative, it was give DeAndre the money or don't spend it at all. That isn't money you can then spend on other players.

He's an offensive force, a phenomenal rebounder, plays within himself, and is a mobile shot blocker. He's a very good player, being paid like a very good player. Artificial max contracts mean that guys worth 80 million get paid 25, guys worth 50 get paid 25, and guys worth 25 get paid 25. (those are estimates, but you get the point in terms of the max contract's impact). DeAndre gets paid what he is worth, he probably does not exceed that much but he's not overpaid by any stretch.

Doc giving away draft picks, trading for guys who had a good game against him once, dumping Bledsoe cuz reasons, getting bamboozled into taking his son because Ainge was D League-ing him, and generally not having any idea how to run a franchise are why they are where they are.

The Grizz are cooked and need to blow it up. They will never win with that offense

And that Chandler Parsons contract... good god...

Don't tell that to Clueless Chris Vernon.

He still thinks they should chug along as a fringe playoff team.

When The Ringer's NBA podcast picked up Chris Vernon, I was really interested in a "Hey, who's this guy?" way, but after a few weeks I had to stop listening. I can't stand his obnoxious radio voice and I don't think I ever heard him give an interesting, original insight.

The Grizz are cooked and need to blow it up. They will never win with that offense

And that Chandler Parsons contract... good god...

Don't tell that to Clueless Chris Vernon.

He still thinks they should chug along as a fringe playoff team.

When The Ringer's NBA podcast picked up Chris Vernon, I was really interested in a "Hey, who's this guy?" way, but after a few weeks I had to stop listening. I can't stand his obnoxious radio voice and I don't think I ever heard him give an interesting, original insight.

That game was like a microcosm of Good Westbrook and Bad Westbrook, and to a lesser degree good and bad Harden. But deeper in the game it was more good Harden and bad Westbrook. He was brilliant most of the game but no excuse for the blatant ballhogging and forcing plays down the stretch.

Overall all the series have been interesting to watch besides ours and SAS/Memphis.

The one I am keeping an eye on is LAC/Utah. Because of Griffin and Hayward. I know if we lose in the first round we look less appealing but still......

IF Utah loses there is a better chance of Hayward leaving and same goes for Balke if Clippers lose.

I like Hayward a lot BUT I think I want the Clips to lose because they could blow it up. CP3 and Blake could leave which opens the door to DeAndre being traded. Now if I were to dream I would want to sign Griffin and trade for George(Crowder, Bradley, BKN pick).

In the end I am just trying to distract myself from the celtics current situation

I'd love to see the Celtics come out with this same fire Indiana is showing in Game 3.

Looking away at WHERE they are playing (I know we are on the road and Indiana is at home now), everyone ruled out Indiana after Game 2 saying they couldn't finish games and they were going down in a simple 5 games, and look at this response.

Toronto traded two 1st rounders just to get beaten in the 1st round by the Bucks.

Lol and the Raptors are now down 39-15. WOOF.

Ibaka with 0 rebounds in 12 minutes. People on here would be screaming for Danny's head if he traded a 1st for a rental on Ibaka and got this...

Even if his price was "high", could have had Noel, or Nurkic for fairly cheap.

Noel is also a FA this summer so in a sense you could have had a "first hand look" at him before the summer.

Neither are little Brad's system type players, so they will never be Cs.

He ONLY wants bigs who can spread the floor.

In retrospect, KO is a Brad type player. The Greek Freak, not so much back then. Now that pick makes sense to me as to why it happened.

Well, as we're seeing, that pretty much won't work in the post season.

Chicago is showing us that right now.

Milwaukee, Atlanta and Indiana can use their size to intimidate us, and even Philly could be on the verge in a few years with their size as well. Celtics need to counter and there needs to be some bruiser in here who can rebound and play interior defense.

Toronto traded two 1st rounders just to get beaten in the 1st round by the Bucks.

Lol and the Raptors are now down 39-15. WOOF.

Ibaka with 0 rebounds in 12 minutes. People on here would be screaming for Danny's head if he traded a 1st for a rental on Ibaka and got this...

Even if his price was "high", could have had Noel, or Nurkic for fairly cheap.

Noel is also a FA this summer so in a sense you could have had a "first hand look" at him before the summer.

Neither are little Brad's system type players, so they will never be Cs.

He ONLY wants bigs who can spread the floor.

In retrospect, KO is a Brad type player. The Greek Freak, not so much back then. Now that pick makes sense to me as to why it happened.

Well, as we're seeing, that pretty much won't work in the post season.

Chicago is showing us that right now.

Milwaukee, Atlanta and Indiana can use their size to intimidate us, and even Philly could be on the verge in a few years with their size as well. Celtics need to counter and there needs to be some bruiser in here who can rebound and play interior defense.

Hope Little Brad starts to get it: Butler-ball WILL NOT WIN with the big boys in the NBA.

And he better learn to put his big boy pants on and coach "difficult" players.

And that's the difference between a good GM and an average GM. Ainge knew his team wouldn't contend this year even if he made a few trades. If he had traded for some of these guys and we were still getting crushed in the playoffs everyone would blame him for ruining our chemistry and wasting our draft picks on rentals.

And that's the difference between a good GM and an average GM. Ainge knew his team wouldn't contend this year even if he made a few trades. If he had traded for some of these guys and we were still getting crushed in the playoffs everyone would blame him for ruining our chemistry and wasting our draft picks on rentals.

So does Paul George get sick of everything after Indiana loses this game and possibly get swept... enough to demand a trade to Boston this summer and agree to a long term commitment? :laugh:

From your lips to the basketball gods' ears!!!!!!!!!

Then add Griffin/Hayward/Milsap/JaMychal Green/Noel in FA, and we are cookin'!!!!!!

It will be hard cap-wise. I think it definitely means Bradley, Fultz/Jackson, AND Crowder are all gone, BUT maybe Ainge is watching the C's and believes losing those guys won't hurt as much if it means that happens^

The main problem is the contract + his love for the Lakers. He's an expiring so Ainge won't pay a premium for a guy who is an expiring, and if his heart is really set for LA LA Land, it's doubtful he agrees to a long term commitment in a trade to Boston.

I've always seen him as a villain. Can't help it. Never liked how his teams play. He seems to be a nice guy off the court. I couldn't really explain it to you.

There's an air of entitlement that I just can't get past.

Somehow the entitlement comes out in the way he plays the game. Like he believes he's meant to win every game and dominate every opponent.

But how is that a bad thing? He's a great player.

I mean, I dislike his tendency toward bully ball. Just put his head down and bowl his way to the basket. But he's such a great passer and he's developed a post game and his jumpshot is really good now.

The bias must be in me, not so much any flaw in LeBron, but I just can't get to the point where I enjoy seeing the guy win.

I've always seen him as a villain. Can't help it. Never liked how his teams play. He seems to be a nice guy off the court. I couldn't really explain it to you.

There's an air of entitlement that I just can't get past.

Somehow the entitlement comes out in the way he plays the game. Like he believes he's meant to win every game and dominate every opponent.

But how is that a bad thing? He's a great player.

I mean, I dislike his tendency toward bully ball. Just put his head down and bowl his way to the basket. But he's such a great passer and he's developed a post game and his jumpshot is really good now.

The bias must be in me, not so much any flaw in LeBron, but I just can't get to the point where I enjoy seeing the guy win.

It's tough to pin down because LeBron does not have a sense of entitlement in that he expects stuff to be handed to him. Dude has busted his behind for everything he's got. But he does expect everything to work out for him and if it doesn't, he reacts like some global injustice has occurred.

It's really aggravating but, to be fair, if KG had that same sense of entitlement he would have bolted Minnesota much sooner and might have a few more rings.

I've always seen him as a villain. Can't help it. Never liked how his teams play. He seems to be a nice guy off the court. I couldn't really explain it to you.

I feel the same he's not likable!

Agree with both you guys.

Hard to like a player who whines and female dogs it all the time while at the same time being so physically dominant and skilled.

Add to that lovable combo of traits: The Decision and a guy having himself tatted with "THE CHOSEN ONE" fully across the top of his back, and it's hard to like him.

Still can't help feeling that if his game were different I could like him despite all those things. That and his on-court demeanor.

Yeah, Ive always hated Lebron, but when GSW signed Durant I thought I could root for Lebron and I tried to, but I just cant do it.

I hate the guy.

That said, I really dont want anyone in the East to beat him. I want Boston to be the beginning and the end for Lebron. The last team to beat him in the East, the one that forced him to Miami and then the one that ends his reign of the East.

Honestly I think the Bucks will give a ton of problems to the Cavs in round 2, the length and size is legit

I agree that they should to the extent that if they don't, I'm adding more data to my theory that the NBA playoffs are subtly and mildly rigged on average. Would also be surprised if Toronto doesn't advance, though.

Honestly I think the Bucks will give a ton of problems to the Cavs in round 2, the length and size is legit

If we don't get past the Bulls, the winner of Washington - Chicago should give them a lot of trouble too. Matchups matter in the playoffs. Rondo on Irving, Butler on James, Chicago would have a good chance

Our chances of getting him go up with a Jazz series loss to the Clippers.

I'm rooting for a Jazz series win. Griffin is a much better fit for us than Hayward, and I think we'll have a good shot at him with a series loss.

Position wise absolutely. However Im weary of giving Blake a 5yr max when he has already had 3 knee surgeries and has noticeably lost some of his explosiveness.

Only resigning with your current team lets you sign a 5 year deal. We would be signing him for 4

While completely true, I'd be similarly worried about giving a 4-year max deal to someone who's missed at least a month in each of the last three seasons.

And now Griffen has a bruised toe. IF he was more healthy, I'd be fine taking him, but he's on AB's level of durability, we'd end up having two guys who miss a big chunk of the season.

Hayward looks smooth. I have a feeling he's going to stay, but I don't know how much better the Jazz can get, too good for picks, not good enough to really compete. Not sure they can get a FA to come, and don't know what they can give up for a second star.

Paul George took a shot to the midsection late in the half, but is also struggling with 2/10 shooting.

This could be the last 24 minutes of Indiana's season.. and George's time in Indy.

I suppose there is about 75 % chance he becomes a Laker . Johnson and the rest of the Laker world are targeting him.. hopefully Bird can keep him off the Lakers .

I think people are taking this LA stuff WAY too seriously. Don't you guys remember the half dozen other stars that were supposedly "locks" to go to LA? lol If George wants to win, which he does, he's not going there unless they make some dramatic improvements before then.

Paul George took a shot to the midsection late in the half, but is also struggling with 2/10 shooting.

This could be the last 24 minutes of Indiana's season.. and George's time in Indy.

I suppose there is about 75 % chance he becomes a Laker . Johnson and the rest of the Laker world are targeting him.. hopefully Bird can keep him off the Lakers .

I think people are taking this LA stuff WAY too seriously. Don't you guys remember the half dozen other stars that were supposedly "locks" to go to LA? lol If George wants to win, which he does, he's not going there unless they make some dramatic improvements before then.

Yeah. Love, DeRozan, and others were locks to go to LAL. What happened lol?

Also, George has called out some players (even if just subtle shots) for not doing well. Imagine being in La La Land with virtually the same "rebuilding" team LOL. :laugh:

Paul George took a shot to the midsection late in the half, but is also struggling with 2/10 shooting.

This could be the last 24 minutes of Indiana's season.. and George's time in Indy.

I suppose there is about 75 % chance he becomes a Laker . Johnson and the rest of the Laker world are targeting him.. hopefully Bird can keep him off the Lakers .

I think people are taking this LA stuff WAY too seriously. Don't you guys remember the half dozen other stars that were supposedly "locks" to go to LA? lol If George wants to win, which he does, he's not going there unless they make some dramatic improvements before then.

I suppose I'm panicking ;D

I'm so use to the Laker tricks though the years ......distrust them on any deal dies hard.

I'm so torn on who to root for in this Jazz/Clippers game. Both teams losing would be the most ideal scenario! ;D

Though I have saw where several people are actually expecting Griffin to leave LA this summer after this latest injury. So if he's going to be open to leave regardless, perhaps a Clippers win and then sweep at the hand of the Warriors is the best outcome to maximize our chances at signing one of Griffin or Hayward.

I'm so torn on who to root for in this Jazz/Clippers game. Both teams losing would be the most ideal scenario! ;D

Though I have saw where several people are actually expecting Griffin to leave LA this summer after this latest injury. So if he's going to be open to leave regardless, perhaps a Clippers win and then sweep at the hand of the Warriors is the best outcome to maximize our chances at signing one of Griffin or Hayward.

I kind of think this is a case where the Clippers themselves may hesitate on maxing Griffin.

Unless Doc the GM says "who cares" and keeps him.. ::)

I agree with what you say, that's the best case scenario. Clippers have to realize especially if they get swept in the 2nd round that there's no hope with their current core and even if they add Melo it won't be enough for them. Plus other teams in the West are rising and Spurs/Rockets look real good too.

I mean how does the likes of Joe J and Jamaal Crawford still be as competitive as they are now. And yet we have a James Young so inept and useless in our bench...even 3rd overall pickJaylen Brown is pretty much a non factor.

eesh raptors are dominating the bucks. A bit surprised to see this after how good the Bucks looked early on in the series. I guess the Raptors are back.

10 point game now. Would love to see the Bucks win this series. Can't picture either team getting past Cleveland, but I think Giannis vs LeBron would be a great matchup. Could do a lot for elevating Giannis' status even further.

Westbrook really hurts his team will the ISO dribble the clock out and shoots a brick. He needs to learn about passing and team ball.

Sorry , but for me ,Watching this game is like nails on a chalkboard . I guess everybody can just sit on the bench and let Harden and Westbrook play a game of full court one on one. The rest of the players are just in the way .

Lou Williams was such a big pickup for the Rockets. Another guard who can create shots, stretch the floor and hit free throws in key moments. And less likely to shoot them out of the game than a JR Smith-type.

I think they might be the most dangerous opponent for the Warriors in the West.

Lou Williams was such a big pickup for the Rockets. Another guard who can create shots, stretch the floor and hit free throws in key moments. And less likely to shoot them out of the game than a JR Smith-type.

I think they might be the most dangerous opponent for the Warriors in the West.

I think the Spurs still pose as the biggest threat due to their size. Grizz would make any look bad due to their physicality.

The way I see it, Clippers Achilles tendon - serviceable wings - during the Lob-city era, was on full display in game 5.Utah stepped on their weakness, "outwinging" them to death. The foursome of Hayward, JJ, Ingles, and Hood played 148 mins (61,65% of all possible minutes, that is more than 3/5 positions) they shot 51 out of teams 81 FGA (63%). Clips only had smallish guards to cover them.No team can soar without wings.

The way I see it, Clippers Achilles tendon - serviceable wings - during the Lob-city era, was on full display in game 5.Utah stepped on their weakness, "outwinging" them to death. The foursome of Hayward, JJ, Ingles, and Hood played 148 mins (61,65% of all possible minutes, that is more than 3/5 positions) they shot 51 out of teams 81 FGA (63%). Clips only had smallish guards to cover them.No team can soar without wings.

It's already 1 season too much for this current Clippers roster.This is GM Rivers fault. He should have traded Griffin last summer and reload.Everybody felt the Clippers are not a serious contender anymore.No real SF, no bench (besides Crawford), small SG. Too many flaws to compete with GS and SA.

It's already 1 season too much for this current Clippers roster.This is GM Rivers fault. He should have traded Griffin last summer and reload.Everybody felt the Clippers are not a serious contender anymore.No real SF, no bench (besides Crawford), small SG. Too many flaws to compete with GS and SA.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

How funny would it be if Griffin went from one super athletic center who clogs the lane right to another. If I were the Celtics, I think I'd take a chance on him, given how well he'd fit into this current roster.

I think if Blake and Chris split, it would be prudent to get what they can for Deandre, yeah. He's not someone you're going to hold on to and build around.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

As for Paul, I'm not sure that he leaves regardless of what happens. Didn't he help rig the new CBA to get himself more money or something this year in LA?

I'd love to see him in San Antonio, though. I'd love to be able to root for him once, but I just can't bring myself to do it with him in LA. I think you'd have to give SAN Antonio the edge over GS if he went there.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

I can't imagine Hayward taking less money to leave a Jazz team that makes the second round of the playoffs.

Starting to feel more convinced that even though CLE isn't as dominant as before, they'll still steamroll through the East (no series going 7 games).

Washington don't look as elite nowadays, and TOR/BOS have been shaky as well.

To beat CLE, you have to be very consistent and the margin of error should be real low, but all three teams have been inconsistent and have been careless at numerous times.

Meanwhile, Atlanta is looking a lot more dangerous than people realized (including me), but they are no threat to CLE either, though hypothetically if BOS/ATL both advance, it will he a real tough series for us...

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

I can't imagine Hayward taking less money to leave a Jazz team that makes the second round of the playoffs.

Griffin coming to Boston is so perfect there's no way it will happen.

Mike

I can see Hayward leaving Utah. I mean not trying to create any controversy, but Boston is a great city for a white guy. He also gets to play with his close friend/favorite coach. And the east is much easier to get through then the west.

I think he will realize he has a better shot to win with Boston. Especially since we'll always have the assets to make a big trade.

As for Griffin, I'm not sure Ainge will be interested tbh. I'm not sure anyone besides the Clippers will even offer Griffin a 4 year max. Nets, maybe the Knicks? Can't imagine a contender throwing money at him. He's not worth the risk. His body is clearly breaking down. He is a perfect fit, assuming we have the old Blake Grffin, but I haven't seen that guy play consistently at that level in a while now.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

I can't imagine Hayward taking less money to leave a Jazz team that makes the second round of the playoffs.

Griffin coming to Boston is so perfect there's no way it will happen.

Mike

I've been long skeptical that Griffin will leave LA. I think he loves it there. But if he decides he wants to contend for a championship, his fit in Boston is, indeed, perfect.

Maybe Paul Pierce can be the Celtic whisperer and tell him how great it is. That would be worth a front office position.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

I can't imagine Hayward taking less money to leave a Jazz team that makes the second round of the playoffs.

Griffin coming to Boston is so perfect there's no way it will happen.

Mike

I've been long skeptical that Griffin will leave LA. I think he loves it there. But if he decides he wants to contend for a championship, his fit in Boston is, indeed, perfect.

Maybe Paul Pierce can be the Celtic whisperer and tell him how great it is. That would be worth a front office position.

Part of wonders if the Clippers will even want to give Blake a 5-year max tbh...

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

As for Paul, I'm not sure that he leaves regardless of what happens. Didn't he help rig the new CBA to get himself more money or something this year in LA?

I'd love to see him in San Antonio, though. I'd love to be able to root for him once, but I just can't bring myself to do it with him in LA. I think you'd have to give SAN Antonio the edge over GS if he went there.

I think it'd be great if Paul and Redick both went to San Antonio somehow.

I've been really impressed with Schroeder lately, especially in the playoffs. I think that's Rozier's potential if he pulls it all together. They're very similar physically and athletically, with a slight edge to Schroeder, but Schroeder's BBIQ and defense are much better than Rozier's right now.

Do the Clips trade Deandre if the other two guys and Redick all leave?

Where does Redick end up? Cleveland?

I honestly think that if Griffin leaves the Clippers he'll come to Boston. We're pretty much a very, very ideal fit for him playing-wise, and with as much media exposure as IT has received this year, it shows Griffin that he can still have opportunities like that in Boston. Let's also not forget the reports of how impressed the Clippers players were of Pierce's reception in Boston this year. That was a big reason Al came, and I'm sure it holds positive for someone like Griffin, too.

Of course, this is all contingent on if we want him to begin with, which I think should be obvious, though you never know with Danny and Brad's connection with Hayward.

As for Paul, I'm not sure that he leaves regardless of what happens. Didn't he help rig the new CBA to get himself more money or something this year in LA?

I'd love to see him in San Antonio, though. I'd love to be able to root for him once, but I just can't bring myself to do it with him in LA. I think you'd have to give SAN Antonio the edge over GS if he went there.

I think it'd be great if Paul and Redick both went to San Antonio somehow.

Seeing Chris Paul under Pop's thumb would be very interesting. I think it'd be good for him, too. I don't know if SA could make that happen or not. But they definitely need a new starting PG.

4 point game 4th quarter in Washington.Would love to see the wiZZARDS blow this series. A first round collapse would send that franchise into a real panic and identity crisis, could even prompt their front office to do something really stupid!

Man, the way Millsap and Schroeder are playing right now, I'm not sure that Atlanta would be that much easier of a matchup than Washington. Schroeder can (and has) given IT problems before in the past, and for the most part we don't have a good individual defender against Millsap.

Man, the way Millsap and Schroeder are playing right now, I'm not sure that Atlanta would be that much easier of a matchup than Washington. Schroeder can (and has) given IT problems before in the past, and for the most part we don't have a good individual defender against Millsap.

I hear ya!

Schroeder gets cuckoo jacked up against us all the time. Brazemore too.

What are we, 4-12 in our last 16 against them? Not sure of the exact number.

Toronto looking much better lately. They could actually give the Cavs a run for their money with how bad the Cavs D has been. Toronto is a much better offensive team than Indiana, yet Indiana tore them up many times throughout the series.

How not to execute on the offensive (or defensive) end at the end of a basketball game. This game was there for the taking for the Bucks. That's a shame for them.

Edit: Yikes - way to make it interesting, but Giannis dribbling the ball for 10 seconds at the top of the key and then opting for the lay-up (down by three) with only three seconds left is mind-boggling with no time-outs left. Any three in the half-court set would have been better than what they could get going full court in three seconds.

Boy, this has just been terrible basketball on both sides. Why Giannis opted for the two pointer there is beyond me, let alone Snell throwing it away and not even getting a heave at the buzzer. They had no timeouts left, so why wouldn't you just attempt the three with that little time left?

The Spurs screwed themselves by not being able to take advantage of KD's absence and take that number one seed. They could've faced a much weaker Trailblazers team and then either a Griffin-less Clippers team or a very beatable Jazz team. Now they're looking likely to go to game 7 with Memphis and have a date with the dangerous Rockets in the second round.

That's a shame, too, because I honestly thought the Grizzlies could've knocked off the Warriors in the first round, especially with KD missing several games. They just match up so well with the Warriors due to their size and D, and they gave them legit problems all year long.

Only 3 series left and they're all playing tonight. This could be the end of the first round if Wahington, Utah, and Boston take care of business. I'm sure at least one will go 7, though. I just hope it isn't the Celtics. With the way they'v been played, who knows what could happen in a game 7.

Jazz down by 2 at the half. They really need to try and finish this thing here, because I'm not sure that I'd bet against the Clippers, specifically Paul, at home in game 7, especially with how inexperienced in the playoffs this Utah Jazz team is.

This is pathetic by the Jazz. There's no way they should be losing like this to this depleted, old Clippers team, at home no less.

what difference does it make? Either team will be slaughtered by GSW.

Sure, but a first round series win is much more important to the Jazz than the Clippers, especially with Griffin being out for half the series. That would be a successful season for the Jazz, where I think it would absolutely have to be considered a failure to get knocked out of the playoffs by this depleted Clippers team, especially being up 3-2. Fair or not, it also could very well be the determining factor for whether Hayward stays or goes to "greener" pastures.

I agree that it's "meh" for the Clippers, since this entire season will inevitably end up a failure for them again. But, losing this first round series could force their hand to break up this current team this summer, along with maybe finally convincing Griffin to search for "greener" pastures, too.

Reports have come out recently that they still want to resign all three of Griffin, Paul, and Reddick.

There has been skepticism about that if they lose this series, though, and I've read several writers that believe Griffin is seriously considering leaving.

I don't see the logic in bringing this same basic band back together. They're simply just not good or durable enough, and they're certainly not going to beat GS anytime soon, let alone the Spurs, Rockets, or an improved Jazz team. Hell, they were spanked and swept in the season series by GS even when healthy, and they averaged something like a 20+ point loss in those four losses this season. They might lose by 30 every night if they actually make it to the second round and play the Warriors.

Lol the Jazz are going to lose this series to a Griffin-less Clippers team after stealing two games in LA. And that means the Warriors are going to sweep the Clippers by probably an average of 30 points per game.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

I consider any team with no ability to get over the hump a treadmill team. I don't see them getting any higher than maybe the 3 seed in the West. That's not entirely their fault tho no.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

I consider any team with no ability to get over the hump a treadmill team. I don't see them getting any higher than maybe the 3 seed in the West. That's not entirely their fault tho no.

Making this statement about the Jazz implies they are finished getting better as a team.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

I consider any team with no ability to get over the hump a treadmill team. I don't see them getting any higher than maybe the 3 seed in the West. That's not entirely their fault tho no.

Making this statement about the Jazz implies they are finished getting better as a team.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

I consider any team with no ability to get over the hump a treadmill team. I don't see them getting any higher than maybe the 3 seed in the West. That's not entirely their fault tho no.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

The Jazz are a classic treadmill team. C's are a better team now and going into the future.

While the C's are better, the Jazz are not a treadmill team. People really need to get a handle on that term. Thats for teams that regularly finish in the 35-45 win range, never getting top lottery picks, but also easy outs in the playoffs for a top 2 seed.

Treadmills are flat. The Jazz won 11 more games this year than last, the second biggest increase in the league, and the biggest jump for any playoff team. If they're on the treadmill, so is the entire NBA. ::)

I consider any team with no ability to get over the hump a treadmill team. I don't see them getting any higher than maybe the 3 seed in the West. That's not entirely their fault tho no.

Man, the Jazz are going to lose this in 7 to a Griffin-less Clippers team. Crazy.

Even the more reason for Hayward to try some green on. :)

But if Hayward can't lead his team to a playoff win against the Clipper team without Blake Griffin, do we want Hayward? Does he really move the needle for the Celtics?

Hayward did great this series. his teammates didn't show up. its a team game.

I don't know where you're getting that. Hayward has played good, yeah, but Joe Johnson and George Hill have really stepped up as well. Rudy Gobert missed some games but the games he has played he's been excellent. This team should absolutely beat a Griffin-less Clipper team.

Hayward is a very good player. But I remain unconvinced that he's a great one.

There offense is basically the same EVERY TIME DOWN THE FLOOR. Always have a guy standing in each corner for spacing, high pick and roll.. no creativity. Except for those nice cuts that Hayward makes for oops it's just boring.

Current celtics basketball is SO much more interesting to watch, and that's without the goggles on.

Can't wait for Doc's excuses for the Clippers' annual playoffs collapse besides Griffin's injury. Funny how he left Boston for a brighter situation and now Boston's present (and future) looks much better.

Can't wait for Doc's excuses for the Clippers' annual playoffs collapse besides Griffin's injury. Funny how he left Boston for a brighter situation and now Boston's present (and future) looks much better.

The Warriors will likely steamroll the Jazz, but Utah is a pretty bad matchup for GSW.

GS will spread their bigs out and destroy them.

Yeah, Draymond or West at 5 neutralizes Gobert in a similar manner to Horford. However, a physical series at high altitude is far less desirable than a series against LAC. I think the Warriors pick up a bit more wear and tear in this series than they would've otherwise.

Okay, so the analysts on the NBA Jump show just said that they either expect a sweep or a gentleman's sweep in the Raptors/Cavs series.

Really? How do others feel about that assessment? I know that I still was not impressed with the Cavs in the Pacers series, especially their lackluster D, even if it was a sweep. And I know that the Raptors have looked shaky at times this year.

However, theoretically, the Raptors have the perimeter and post pieces to give the Cavs D fits, but they also have at least the pieces to actually defend and make things difficult for the Cavs O.

I don't know. I'm not sure that this Raptors team is consistent enough to beat them, but I think they have the pieces to give them a lot of trouble. I can easily see a back and forth 7 game series between these teams.

Okay, so the analysts on the NBA Jump show just said that they either expect a sweep or a gentleman's sweep in the Raptors/Cavs series.

Really? How do others feel about that assessment? I know that I still was not impressed with the Cavs in the Pacers series, especially their lackluster D, even if it was a sweep. And I know that the Raptors have looked shaky at times this year.

However, theoretically, the Raptors have the perimeter and post pieces to give the Cavs D fits, but they also have at least the pieces to actually defend and make things difficult for the Cavs O.

I don't know. I'm not sure that this Raptors team is consistent enough to beat them, but I think they have the pieces to give them a lot of trouble. I can easily see a back and forth 7 game series between these teams.

Pretty surprised by that. Not that whatever you're listening to is an actual good source material for understanding the game imo. Cavs should win in 5 or 6. You actually think this series can go in 7 though? It's amazing to me how you continue to disrespect the Cavs. They're going to sleepwalk to the Finals imo. Lebron will post up Smart and dunk on him like he did last time haha.

Okay, so the analysts on the NBA Jump show just said that they either expect a sweep or a gentleman's sweep in the Raptors/Cavs series.

Really? How do others feel about that assessment? I know that I still was not impressed with the Cavs in the Pacers series, especially their lackluster D, even if it was a sweep. And I know that the Raptors have looked shaky at times this year.

However, theoretically, the Raptors have the perimeter and post pieces to give the Cavs D fits, but they also have at least the pieces to actually defend and make things difficult for the Cavs O.

I don't know. I'm not sure that this Raptors team is consistent enough to beat them, but I think they have the pieces to give them a lot of trouble. I can easily see a back and forth 7 game series between these teams.

Pretty surprised by that. Not that whatever you're listening to is an actual good source material for understanding the game imo. Cavs should win in 5 or 6. You actually think this series can go in 7 though? It's amazing to me how you continue to disrespect the Cavs. They're going to sleepwalk to the Finals imo. Lebron will post up Smart and dunk on him like he did last time haha.

I am a bit perplex by the idea that the Cavs will just steamroll the raptors. A few points to consider

Last year the series went 6 games without the Raptors having Ibaka or Tucker. The Raptors were starting Luis Scola in that series. I repeat the raptors were starting Luis Scola and still won 2 games.

The Cavs had a worse record the second half of the season than the Raptors despite the Raptors missing Lowry for most of it.

The Cavs may benefit from having a week off for the old legs, but they have poor frontcourt depth and 5 out of their top 8 players are over 30 with several approaching their mid 30's (williams, Korver, Jefferson)

Though the Cavs swept the Pacers, it was not like they steamrolled them. It was the smallest margin of defeat for a sweep in 20 years (16 points total!)

Irving has a banged up knee that seems to be really slowing him down.

The Cavs could obviously play well and hit all their 3's and dominate, but there are a lot of things that give you pause before assuming a 5 game Cavs victory.

Yes, I'm still sticking by SAS in 7, I expect them to rebound. I originally had CLE in 6, but Toronto don't look confident out there and I think not having Biyombo now really hurts them at the front court. I think the Jazz will take Golden State to quite a few close games but at the end, GSW reigns supreme. I do think if it was LAC vs. Golden State, GSW would have swept them easily.

Yes, I'm still sticking by SAS in 7, I expect them to rebound. I originally had CLE in 6, but Toronto don't look confident out there and I think not having Biyombo now really hurts them at the front court. I think the Jazz will take Golden State to quite a few close games but at the end, GSW reigns supreme. I do think if it was LAC vs. Golden State, GSW would have swept them easily.

I also originally had this being a lengthy series with the possibility that Toronto would actually win. I will admit my confidence in that outcome was shaken by the game 1. That being said, could their frontcourt be really weaker with Ibaka and Tucker replacing Byombo?

Yes, I'm still sticking by SAS in 7, I expect them to rebound. I originally had CLE in 6, but Toronto don't look confident out there and I think not having Biyombo now really hurts them at the front court. I think the Jazz will take Golden State to quite a few close games but at the end, GSW reigns supreme. I do think if it was LAC vs. Golden State, GSW would have swept them easily.

I also originally had this being a lengthy series with the possibility that Toronto would actually win. I will admit my confidence in that outcome was shaken by the game 1. That being said, could their frontcourt be really weaker with Ibaka and Tucker replacing Byombo?

Toronto is notoriously terrible in game ones, like a 1-12 all-time record terrible. It's almost become a self-fulfilling prophecy at this point, so I expect a much closer game two and rest of series.

Yes, I'm still sticking by SAS in 7, I expect them to rebound. I originally had CLE in 6, but Toronto don't look confident out there and I think not having Biyombo now really hurts them at the front court. I think the Jazz will take Golden State to quite a few close games but at the end, GSW reigns supreme. I do think if it was LAC vs. Golden State, GSW would have swept them easily.

I also originally had this being a lengthy series with the possibility that Toronto would actually win. I will admit my confidence in that outcome was shaken by the game 1. That being said, could their frontcourt be really weaker with Ibaka and Tucker replacing Byombo?

JV is getting killed in PnRs. He's too slow to cover the perimeter. If I were Dwayne Casey, I'd play small-ball with Ibaka at 5 to counter Cav's small ball lineup.

Yes, I'm still sticking by SAS in 7, I expect them to rebound. I originally had CLE in 6, but Toronto don't look confident out there and I think not having Biyombo now really hurts them at the front court. I think the Jazz will take Golden State to quite a few close games but at the end, GSW reigns supreme. I do think if it was LAC vs. Golden State, GSW would have swept them easily.

Perhaps. Kawai has to play at a high level and Houston seems formidable.

In less than two games, Derozan is a -52 in this series so far. How's that max contract looking? lol

So, if this continues on and the Raptors get swept or lose in 5, can they really afford to pay Lowry the max this summer, too?

The Cavs are just a bad matchup for the Raptors. They have no way to stop Lebron, and that's compounded by the fact that their perimeter D is also bad, meaning the Cavs can get whatever they want. We matchup much better with the Cavs than Toronto, and Toronto matches up much better with us than Cleveland.

I love that if we can get by the Wiz, it will be pretty settled that our team is one of only two legit teams in the East. The fact that we have the assets of a rebuilding team and they are giving stuff away for Ibaka, PJ and Bogdanovich is just icing on the cake.

If the celts can get by the Wizards... need a serious game plan to slow down this guy

My idea

Have Jaylen Brown guard him.... yes he is only a rookie and gives up 20-25 pounds...but he is the one guy in the team that can hang with him in the "explosiveness" category. Has the wingspan and is a pretty strong kid

Also i would cheat and make lebron shoot the ball , all day and night..... don't allow him to drive past you... with him having a million options to pass to. Let him shoot...and if he nails 10 3s... its better to lose that way vs have him "play" with you

Just please don't put Crowder on him... the experiment has failed too many times

If the celts can get by the Wizards... need a serious game plan to slow down this guy

My idea

Have Jaylen Brown guard him.... yes he is only a rookie and gives up 20-25 pounds...but he is the one guy in the team that can hang with him in the "explosiveness" category. Has the wingspan and is a pretty strong kid

Also i would cheat and make lebron shoot the ball , all day and night..... don't allow him to drive past you... with him having a million options to pass to. Let him shoot...and if he nails 10 3s... its better to lose that way vs have him "play" with you

Just please don't put Crowder on him... the experiment has failed too many times

The problem is they play the 1-3 pick n roll wihich plays to their hands...all they would do is pick who IT is guarding and forces the switch...by then there is nothing we can do and Lebron will have his way...double him and he finds the open manI have no idea how Stevens is gonna game plan lebron but lets get rid of the pesky Wizards first then worrry bout lebron after.

Is parkers career over? It must have been an ACL. He had to be carried off

Boy, that Chris Paul to San Antonio storyline just got quite a bit more interesting, huh?

Man, I'd really love to see that. I'd actually like to be able to root for Paul once in his career. I can't do it with how he acts out on the court PLUS the fact that he's an LA guy now.

Not sure where that story line is coming from unless Paul is willing to leave a lot of cash on the table. Spurs would have a very difficult time of coming closer than about $3 million of his max, and that's assuming Pau opts out and Green is traded. Not to mention he won't make up the lost salary from turning down a 5th year.

It's gonna be a sweep against Utah. And with Parker out (for probably the rest of the season with the look on that injury), no chance to stop Steph Curry or James Harden.

Unless Houston ends up upsetting the Spurs, which I hope they do now if they want anyone to stop or slow GSW before hitting the finals.

Im not sure Parker is gonna make much difference. Same thing happened back in 2014 when he also went down in the Finals. Patty Mills is a better player at this point as he is a better defender than Parker. I think Dejountay Murray will finally get unleashed as Mills needs someone to back him up.

Is parkers career over? It must have been an ACL. He had to be carried off

Boy, that Chris Paul to San Antonio storyline just got quite a bit more interesting, huh?

Man, I'd really love to see that. I'd actually like to be able to root for Paul once in his career. I can't do it with how he acts out on the court PLUS the fact that he's an LA guy now.

Not sure where that story line is coming from unless Paul is willing to leave a lot of cash on the table. Spurs would have a very difficult time of coming closer than about $3 million of his max, and that's assuming Pau opts out and Green is traded. Not to mention he won't make up the lost salary from turning down a 5th year.

I actually see Jeremy Lin low key being traded to the Spurs for peanuts

Is parkers career over? It must have been an ACL. He had to be carried off

Boy, that Chris Paul to San Antonio storyline just got quite a bit more interesting, huh?

Man, I'd really love to see that. I'd actually like to be able to root for Paul once in his career. I can't do it with how he acts out on the court PLUS the fact that he's an LA guy now.

Not sure where that story line is coming from unless Paul is willing to leave a lot of cash on the table. Spurs would have a very difficult time of coming closer than about $3 million of his max, and that's assuming Pau opts out and Green is traded. Not to mention he won't make up the lost salary from turning down a 5th year.

On the one hand, Chris Paul seems like the type that might take a little pay cut to play for the Spurs before he's too old.

On the other hand, as the president of the players' union Paul just helped negotiate a rule change that would allow older players to keep getting max contracts which reads like he's not planning on taking a pay cut for anyone.

Is parkers career over? It must have been an ACL. He had to be carried off

Boy, that Chris Paul to San Antonio storyline just got quite a bit more interesting, huh?

Man, I'd really love to see that. I'd actually like to be able to root for Paul once in his career. I can't do it with how he acts out on the court PLUS the fact that he's an LA guy now.

Yeah, I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I'd love to see him in San Antonio. I don't know how greedy he is vs wanting to win, but I'm sure all those insurance commercials have given him a lot of extra money.

Is parkers career over? It must have been an ACL. He had to be carried off

Boy, that Chris Paul to San Antonio storyline just got quite a bit more interesting, huh?

Man, I'd really love to see that. I'd actually like to be able to root for Paul once in his career. I can't do it with how he acts out on the court PLUS the fact that he's an LA guy now.

Not sure where that story line is coming from unless Paul is willing to leave a lot of cash on the table. Spurs would have a very difficult time of coming closer than about $3 million of his max, and that's assuming Pau opts out and Green is traded. Not to mention he won't make up the lost salary from turning down a 5th year.

I actually see Jeremy Lin low key being traded to the Spurs for peanuts

Lin doesn't really strike me as a pops guy. Kind of has a bit of a "hey look at me personality" which is kind of the opposite of how the Spurs operate.

Welp, Toronto has really disappointed me. They just criminally underperform in the playoffs. No way should they have been dominated so far like they have in this series. It also doesn't help that they have been about as off as one can be from beyond the arc. You can't win games against Cleveland only making 2-15 threes.

Welp, Toronto has really disappointed me. They just criminally underperform in the playoffs. No way should they have been dominated so far like they have in this series. It also doesn't help that they have been about as off as one can be from beyond the arc. You can't win games against Cleveland only making 2-15 threes.

LBJ without the monkey on his back is a playoff destroyer. He was always great but it's another lvl now.

It helps when Toronto gives him literally no resistance lol I think Norman Powell was guarding him for most of the game, which is pretty much no resistance given his size and talent disparity over Powell.

We all do, but it's just something we're going to have to live with a while longer...before age eventually catches up with him.From what I am hearing he is in tremendous shape and is doing all the right things to stay there, ala Brady. He takes his craft seriously and that is why his team follows suit. He might be successful into his late thirties with how he is going about his business.

Well, hopefully the Jazz get swept now in order to increase the chance of Hayward considering leaving.

Hayward scored 29 points even with Golden State hounding and defending him VERY WELL.

I'll admit, that's impressive.

Not enough to beat GSW though.

Would Hayward on this Celtics team be enough to dethrone Cleveland?

Hayward was very impressive and would love for him to join the C's. The best thing is we don't have to trade anyone we can just straight up sign this guy. would be nice if we can at least get to ECF to impress him

The problem with the Jazz is they don't have any lockdown defender on the perimeter to contain Curry, Klay and Draymond or just their overall ball movement. If you successfully turn the Warrior's offense into KD iso, you have 75% chance of winning.

Well, hopefully the Jazz get swept now in order to increase the chance of Hayward considering leaving.

Hayward scored 29 points even with Golden State hounding and defending him VERY WELL.

I'll admit, that's impressive.

Not enough to beat GSW though.

Would Hayward on this Celtics team be enough to dethrone Cleveland?

You'd still need an upgrade (a legit starter) at the 4 between Horford and Hayward, but I think it'd be close, depending upon what other moves we made.

Now on the other hand, I still hold that signing Griffin alone would put us right in the conversation with Cleveland, let alone the other additions we make.

I just think we need much more of an upgrade at that big position that signing Hayward is only as good as the improvement that we get at the 4.

I agree with needing an upgrade with the bigs to help Horford, but Griffin is iffy. He's been out the last two playoffs. Kinda like AB, great when he's on the floor, when he's not hurt and off it.

Hayward moves the needled, great ball handler, moves side to side, has every shot on the floor, and tough. Better defender than credit, maybe not as strong as Crowder, but moves his feet better.

Maybe C's and pull Ibaka for cheap away form Toronto, or send a pick and Young to NY for O'Quinn.

But with our picks we could have

IT/Smart/RozeirAB/FultzHayward/Crowder/BrownIbaka or Quinn/YabuHiordord/Zizic

Maybe KO? GReen? not sure how things would work with signing Hawyard.

But that bench, man, you'd have a great scoring and defensive bench. Even if its Jackson, it's still good. Stronger defensively, but man thats an athletic team on top of it.

WE'd have more of a hockey team, just roll out line after line, punch after punch. Could be fun. Hayward gives the starting and finishing unit an other guy who can get his own, and space the floor for IT.

If GSW sweep the Jazz I think that pushes Hayward away. He wasn't happy with the last contract offer. And the Jazz will have a hard time adding better players. Too good for top ten picks, not good enough to attract FA's to put them over the top. He'd have to wait for Exum and Golbert to reach their potentials, and thats a couple years away.

They had a hard time with a limping Clips team. T-Wolves could be much better next season if they make a right move. Spurs are still the Spurs, Portland could be a surprise next season, Huston got tougher. And teams like Lakers,Kings,Nuggets,Suns,Pel, could all make jumps with good picks in the next couple years.

They looked pretty bad as a whole this last game though. Watch Cleveland spank them in the Finals.

Please no more with Cleveland. They can't lose enough for me.

I look at it a little differently. While not the world's greatest Lebron fan, there is no way in heck that I want Durant to win a title with the Warriors.

The Jazz ain't stopping them, and not sure SAS/Houston can either...but if they reach the finals you can bet I'll be rooting for the Cavs all the way! :)

Rak

Pretty much this.

Meanwhile, on our end, wouldn't it be great if we could sign Hayward, and then also make a huge splash via trade? Something like the 2BKN picks + Crowder + filler for Melo and Porzingis. I mean, who knows, Knicks might bite because it's 2 top lottery picks, Crowder was the one that got away, and they get to unload Melo!

The Rockets is also blowing out the Spurs. At least the lost against Washington doesn't look too bad now.

Giving up a 26-0 run after giving up a 22-0 in the previous game, in two straight blowout losses, has no silver lining.

Looks bad no matter the context.

As for Spurs - Rox, I'm pretty sure this is going 7, and I have no idea who is going to win.

They are playing on the Washington homecourt. It's expected that Wizards will have more energy. In the playoffs, you are only good as your last game. If Wizards manage to steal our homecourt, then its a concern.

NBA got to find a way to make this league more competitive .Watching Cavs or warriors is plain boring.

I agree. These have been the least enjoyable playoffs I can remember. Utah Clippers was a competitive series, but was also less enjoyable because of injuries to Paul and Gobert. Wizards Hawks had a few moments, as did Bulls Celtics and Celtics Wizards. None of those teams are a real threat to win it all though.

So are going to end up with, what, 3 meaningful playoff series the whole time? (Rockets/Spurs, Rockets/Warriors, Cavs Warriors) Wonder if ratings are not down from some other years where you really could see more than 2 teams actually winning it all.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowry is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowry is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Spurs seem like such a logical fit, it's hard to see it not happening now. Leonard/Lowry/Aldridge is pretty competitive. I'd give that core a chance against GSW.

I could see LA targeting DeRozan, too, but timing might screw that up. If Magic and the Lakers can show some restraint and not make a draft day deal, I think DeRozan could be had after free agency plays out. Potentially, DeRozan and PG could be a good pairing. Don't know how the rest of the roster shapes up, but that could be a solid duo.

The Rockets is also blowing out the Spurs. At least the lost against Washington doesn't look too bad now.

Giving up a 26-0 run after giving up a 22-0 in the previous game, in two straight blowout losses, has no silver lining.

Looks bad no matter the context.

As for Spurs - Rox, I'm pretty sure this is going 7, and I have no idea who is going to win.

As Ryan Bernadoni stated on Twitter, the Leonard-lead, Popovich Spurs have been blown out in two games against the Rockets, similar to the Cs.

A loss is a loss. Hopefully the Cs care less about the margin than the fans do.

It's not just about the margin, it's how we got there. Nevermind the rebounding disparity because it's comical at this point, but these last two games have really highlighted 2 concerns I have about this current team:

1.) the Isaiah conundrum. There's no question he's a special offensive player but his defense can take you out of games. They are ATTACKING him defensively right now. Every player he guards goes right into posting him up and he can't hang. Particularly with Washington's starting unit, there's nowhere to hide him defensively. Wall? Lol. Beal? Nope. Otto? Nah. But he's your only offensive threat, so you have to ride with him and hope for the best. Which brings me to...

2.) No consistent offense outside of Isaiah. We have a bunch of jumpshooters who don't really bring anything to the table offensively if they're not hitting 3's. That's a problem. If IT isn't making things happen and guys aren't hitting wide open shots, we have no post presence or secondary shot creator to go to. The closest is Avery Bradley and while he's much improved, Avery cannot be your second best perimeter scorer. You can try to give it to Al in the post, but he wants to - or we're asking him to, I'm not sure - be a jumpshooter too.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowery is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Unless Parker retires and Gasol opts out, the Spurs aren't anywhere close to having enough cap space to get Paul or Lowery.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowery is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Unless Parker retires and Gasol opts out, the Spurs aren't anywhere close to having enough cap space to get Paul or Lowery.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowery is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Unless Parker retires and Gasol opts out, the Spurs aren't anywhere close to having enough cap space to get Paul or Lowery.

they could trade gasol to the nets with a pick

Mills and Simmons are free agents and Dedmon has a small player option so he'll probably opt out. If they don't resign any of them and dump Gasol via trade, the Spurs would have about 29M in cap space so Paul and Lowry would still be taking significantly less than their MAX.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowery is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Unless Parker retires and Gasol opts out, the Spurs aren't anywhere close to having enough cap space to get Paul or Lowery.

they could trade gasol to the nets with a pick

Mills and Simmons are free agents and Dedmon has a small player option so he'll probably opt out. If they don't resign any of them and dump Gasol via trade, the Spurs would have about 29M in cap space so Paul and Lowry would still be taking significantly less than their MAX.

We're going to have similar issues creating a max slot but people are still putting us in the convo for the likes of Hayward and Griffin. We've seen crazier things happen and as we saw GS create the space to get Durant, there's a path.

And the Nets make PERFECT sense as a trade partner. They're on the hunt for assets so why not take Gasol with a pick if he opts in? It's not like they own their pick in 2018, so what do they care if he adds a few more wins. Put with Lin and Brook and add a little more entertainment value to your team.

I really dont know what to make of our struggles now...I just want to trade Crowder and Smart right about now.

We were never going to beat CLE anyways, I wish I was wrong about that but only the delusional thinks this could happen barring a CAVs bus crash injuring some of their guys.

Ainge said he believes in miracles, and I respect that. But it is obviously we could use some help in scoring and on the boards during the playoffs. Boogie would have helped us with both. I hope his master plan works because CBS is desperate for help.

This team has faced a lot of adversity and overcome it. We were down 2 games and they were saying it's almost never happened the comeback 1 seed being down 2 games. Now we're tied and a lot of people again writing off the team.

The best thing about these playoffs for the Celtics has been the playoff experience that Brad Stevens is getting. He's like a rookie or 2nd year talented player in the playoffs. They have the talent but will make rookie mistakes and need to be thrown into the fire and struggle before they learn.

He is pretty raw in this setting, and has made some mistakes, as anyone would expect. He is also quickly learning and making adjustments, as evident in the Bulls series. He still has to figure it out in this series against the Wizards, but this is forcing him to think out of his comfort zone and learn on the job. It's going to be of huge value going forward for the future of this team.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

Our priority list should be:

Paul GeorgeGordon HaywardJimmy Butler

If we land 1-2 of those guys, then we go after a mobile , young rebounder/shot blocker to anchor the defense.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

When healthy, which is a big factor I admit, Griffin is quite a bit better than Hayward.

He also plays a position where we desperately need a starter, where you could easily consider Hayward redundant with AB and Crowder. (And actually, I think both AB and Jae are the perfect type of 3 and D role players to put in between a secondary scorer in Griffin and IT, along with Al.)

Finally, Griffin is an absolute perfect fit offensively with this group, especially with his passing, playmaking, and increased range. Hayward is also a good fit, but we MUST also add a starting 4 alongside him, which is why Griffin might be the better overall choice.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

When healthy, which is a big factor I admit, Griffin is quite a bit better than Hayward.

He also plays a position where we desperately need a starter, where you could easily consider Hayward redundant with AB and Crowder. (And actually, I think both AB and Jae are the perfect type of 3 and D role players to put in between a secondary scorer in Griffin and IT, along with Al.)

Finally, Griffin is an absolute perfect fit offensively with this group, especially with his passing, playmaking, and increased range. Hayward is also a good fit, but we MUST also add a starting 4 alongside him, which is why Griffin might be the better overall choice.

I agree he is a better player than Hayward. But I can't see him being healthy imo.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

When healthy, which is a big factor I admit, Griffin is quite a bit better than Hayward.

He also plays a position where we desperately need a starter, where you could easily consider Hayward redundant with AB and Crowder. (And actually, I think both AB and Jae are the perfect type of 3 and D role players to put in between a secondary scorer in Griffin and IT, along with Al.)

Finally, Griffin is an absolute perfect fit offensively with this group, especially with his passing, playmaking, and increased range. Hayward is also a good fit, but we MUST also add a starting 4 alongside him, which is why Griffin might be the better overall choice.

I don't think Hayward is redundant. He's a better offensive player than both, gets his own shots, and has better handles and can be a PG if needed. AB was good until get got hurt (again) and Crowder has had one good game. His D has been poor, so you can't really say he's a better defender, stronger, yes, but Hayward moves side to side better.

Yes a healthy Griffin would be ideal and fill a need, butt his health is questionable. Same as AB. Hard to want to pay a guy who gets hurt through out the season.

Well, so far so good with the Western playoffs looking to go exactly how we wanted them to go. With LA losing in the first round and Utah getting swept easily in the second round, we should receive legitimate consideration from both Griffin and Hayward. The question is this: which one do we prefer if we have the choice?

Why do you want to take a gamble on Griffin? What is the arguement? He would fit great if healthy. Not sure why take the risk when Hayward is available. He's a big upgrade over Bradley or Crowder. He is also one year younger than Griffin.

When healthy, which is a big factor I admit, Griffin is quite a bit better than Hayward.

He also plays a position where we desperately need a starter, where you could easily consider Hayward redundant with AB and Crowder. (And actually, I think both AB and Jae are the perfect type of 3 and D role players to put in between a secondary scorer in Griffin and IT, along with Al.)

Finally, Griffin is an absolute perfect fit offensively with this group, especially with his passing, playmaking, and increased range. Hayward is also a good fit, but we MUST also add a starting 4 alongside him, which is why Griffin might be the better overall choice.

I don't think Hayward is redundant. He's a better offensive player than both, gets his own shots, and has better handles and can be a PG if needed. AB was good until get got hurt (again) and Crowder has had one good game. His D has been poor, so you can't really say he's a better defender, stronger, yes, but Hayward moves side to side better.

Yes a healthy Griffin would be ideal and fill a need, butt his health is questionable. Same as AB. Hard to want to pay a guy who gets hurt through out the season.

And we have the Dancing Bear ready to go so who needs Griffin! :P

I was talking purely about his position being redundant. His skill set certainly isn't, and he's exactly what we need in a secondary scorer. And I'd go as far as saying that with Jae's step back defensively this year, Hayward is just as, if not more, valuable defensively as Jae is anymore.

But the problem still remains - since we'll have to clear almost all of our depth in bigs to get Hayward, we're still left with a major hole in our starting lineup after signing him. That's why I think there's a certain appeal in signing either Griffin or Millsap over Hayward, even given their respective concerns about health and age.

The Rockets is also blowing out the Spurs. At least the lost against Washington doesn't look too bad now.

Giving up a 26-0 run after giving up a 22-0 in the previous game, in two straight blowout losses, has no silver lining.

Looks bad no matter the context.

As for Spurs - Rox, I'm pretty sure this is going 7, and I have no idea who is going to win.

As Ryan Bernadoni stated on Twitter, the Leonard-lead, Popovich Spurs have been blown out in two games against the Rockets, similar to the Cs.

A loss is a loss. Hopefully the Cs care less about the margin than the fans do.

It's not just about the margin, it's how we got there. Nevermind the rebounding disparity because it's comical at this point, but these last two games have really highlighted 2 concerns I have about this current team:

1.) the Isaiah conundrum. There's no question he's a special offensive player but his defense can take you out of games. They are ATTACKING him defensively right now. Every player he guards goes right into posting him up and he can't hang. Particularly with Washington's starting unit, there's nowhere to hide him defensively. Wall? Lol. Beal? Nope. Otto? Nah. But he's your only offensive threat, so you have to ride with him and hope for the best. Which brings me to...

2.) No consistent offense outside of Isaiah. We have a bunch of jumpshooters who don't really bring anything to the table offensively if they're not hitting 3's. That's a problem. If IT isn't making things happen and guys aren't hitting wide open shots, we have no post presence or secondary shot creator to go to. The closest is Avery Bradley and while he's much improved, Avery cannot be your second best perimeter scorer. You can try to give it to Al in the post, but he wants to - or we're asking him to, I'm not sure - be a jumpshooter too.

Pretty good time for the Spurs to lose Parker and need an upgrade, huh? This summer Paul, Lowry, Hill, and Holiday will all be free agent point guards that are likely good fits in San Antonio.

With Lowry's comments about Lebron being unbeatable and him wanting a ring above all, I could really see him taking less money and going to the Spurs. Holiday might be a better investment for the Spurs given his age, but right now Lowery is actually a really good fit for the Spurs.

And if Lowry would leave Toronto, I could see Derozan being a major target of LA over George, since they can just try and sign him next summer anyways.

Unless Parker retires and Gasol opts out, the Spurs aren't anywhere close to having enough cap space to get Paul or Lowery.

they could trade gasol to the nets with a pick

Mills and Simmons are free agents and Dedmon has a small player option so he'll probably opt out. If they don't resign any of them and dump Gasol via trade, the Spurs would have about 29M in cap space so Paul and Lowry would still be taking significantly less than their MAX.

We're going to have similar issues creating a max slot but people are still putting us in the convo for the likes of Hayward and Griffin. We've seen crazier things happen and as we saw GS create the space to get Durant, there's a path.

And the Nets make PERFECT sense as a trade partner. They're on the hunt for assets so why not take Gasol with a pick if he opts in? It's not like they own their pick in 2018, so what do they care if he adds a few more wins. Put with Lin and Brook and add a little more entertainment value to your team.

We have better cap space than the Spurs. Also, Hayward and Griffin don't have 10 years so they are only 30%MAX guys whereas Lowry and Paul are 35%MAX guys. From a Spurs perspective, I don't think getting Lowry or Paul is enough to challenge GSW and they'd only have a 2 or 3 year window. If they can free up significant cap space, they'd be better off going after Hayward or Griffin.

What other teams could be options for him? Boston yes. Indiana? Lakers?

I doubt it means anything lol.

I would expect a lot of interest in him, he's arguably the best talent in free agency this offseason.

Raptors maybe if Lowry leaves? Lakers possibly but PG13 seems like the more likely fit there. What about Miami or Minnesota?

The media and everyone else always want to read into everything as a sign but the truth is probably that players rarely, if ever, make this kind of decision while there are still games going on. I doubt Hayward has made a final decision.

I think if the Celtics choose so, they have a very good chance at signing Hayward. I mean we are already as good as the Jazz without Hayward. If he signs with us, we're not giving away an asset so our team will be better. So in that sense, I can't imagine him picking the Jazz over us. Besides we have the upside factor of Jaylen Brown's development. TBH, he's looked pretty dam good on offense in the playoffs for the limited amount he has played. Looks like a guy who can play against talented players to me.

We also have this years pick. There is a lot of upside on this team and basically every player on this team currently will be better next year. So yeah, I think we can sign Hayward. I think the focus will be on George however. It's going to be a bidding war for him.

I think if the Celtics choose so, they have a very good chance at signing Hayward. I mean we are already as good as the Jazz without Hayward. If he signs with us, we're not giving away an asset so our team will be better. So in that sense, I can't imagine him picking the Jazz over us. Besides we have the upside factor of Jaylen Brown's development. TBH, he's looked pretty dam good on offense in the playoffs for the limited amount he has played. Looks like a guy who can play against talented players to me.

We also have this years pick. There is a lot of upside on this team and basically every player on this team currently will be better next year. So yeah, I think we can sign Hayward. I think the focus will be on George however. It's going to be a bidding war for him.

I don't think there'll be a bidding war for George. If he wants to go to the Lakers, he'll make it clear and that'll be that. I don't see any team giving up good assets for him if he's saying he'll bolt. It'll be a redux of Denver trading Carmelo to the Knicks.

I think if the Celtics choose so, they have a very good chance at signing Hayward. I mean we are already as good as the Jazz without Hayward. If he signs with us, we're not giving away an asset so our team will be better. So in that sense, I can't imagine him picking the Jazz over us. Besides we have the upside factor of Jaylen Brown's development. TBH, he's looked pretty dam good on offense in the playoffs for the limited amount he has played. Looks like a guy who can play against talented players to me.

We also have this years pick. There is a lot of upside on this team and basically every player on this team currently will be better next year. So yeah, I think we can sign Hayward. I think the focus will be on George however. It's going to be a bidding war for him.

I don't think there'll be a bidding war for George. If he wants to go to the Lakers, he'll make it clear and that'll be that. I don't see any team giving up good assets for him if he's saying he'll bolt. It'll be a redux of Denver trading Carmelo to the Knicks.

Lowe wrote in his Toronto Article that the Lakers are willing to offer their young assets for George. Just FYI. I wouldn't be so sure in believing those Laker reports. Lowe wouldn't be reporting the Lakers interest in a trade if the Lakers were confident they could sign him.

Let's just be honest here, He is going to consider Boston in free agency. Why wouldn't he? We're in a great situation and the team has young players who have played in the playoffs. They're going to get better. Imagine Smart at 25, Brown at 23, and Rozier at 25. That's not inluding this years pick and Zizic.

Besides, wasn't Shaq the last big free agent the Lakers landed? Carmelo blew them off. Westbrook didn't even hesitate to sign with the Thunder after all the Lakers reports came out. I can go on and on. ALdrige blew them off as well. Players want playing time, and they want to win. So we can sign George imo.

We're going to have similar issues creating a max slot but people are still putting us in the convo for the likes of Hayward and Griffin. We've seen crazier things happen and as we saw GS create the space to get Durant, there's a path.

And the Nets make PERFECT sense as a trade partner. They're on the hunt for assets so why not take Gasol with a pick if he opts in? It's not like they own their pick in 2018, so what do they care if he adds a few more wins. Put with Lin and Brook and add a little more entertainment value to your team.

We have better cap space than the Spurs. Also, Hayward and Griffin don't have 10 years so they are only 30%MAX guys whereas Lowry and Paul are 35%MAX guys. From a Spurs perspective, I don't think getting Lowry or Paul is enough to challenge GSW and they'd only have a 2 or 3 year window. If they can free up significant cap space, they'd be better off going after Hayward or Griffin.

But we don't have clear cut max cap space, we'd have to renounce rights to guys and possibly trade someone to open it up. My point is, if we get a player to commit, we can make it happen. Spurs will also have to finagle, but there's a path to do it. If they trade Gasol to a team with cap space (i.e. the Nets) by attaching a pick, renounce rights to Mills and Dedmond, use the stretch on provision on Parker, they'd get pretty darn close.

I think if the Celtics choose so, they have a very good chance at signing Hayward. I mean we are already as good as the Jazz without Hayward. If he signs with us, we're not giving away an asset so our team will be better. So in that sense, I can't imagine him picking the Jazz over us. Besides we have the upside factor of Jaylen Brown's development. TBH, he's looked pretty dam good on offense in the playoffs for the limited amount he has played. Looks like a guy who can play against talented players to me.

We also have this years pick. There is a lot of upside on this team and basically every player on this team currently will be better next year. So yeah, I think we can sign Hayward. I think the focus will be on George however. It's going to be a bidding war for him.

I don't think there'll be a bidding war for George. If he wants to go to the Lakers, he'll make it clear and that'll be that. I don't see any team giving up good assets for him if he's saying he'll bolt. It'll be a redux of Denver trading Carmelo to the Knicks.

Lowe wrote in his Toronto Article that the Lakers are willing to offer their young assets for George. Just FYI. I wouldn't be so sure in believing those Laker reports. Lowe wouldn't be reporting the Lakers interest in a trade if the Lakers were confident they could sign him.

Let's just be honest here, He is going to consider Boston in free agency. Why wouldn't he? We're in a great situation and the team has young players who have played in the playoffs. They're going to get better. Imagine Smart at 25, Brown at 23, and Rozier at 25. That's not inluding this years pick and Zizic.

Besides, wasn't Shaq the last big free agent the Lakers landed? Carmelo blew them off. Westbrook didn't even hesitate to sign with the Thunder after all the Lakers reports came out. I can go on and on. ALdrige blew them off as well. Players want playing time, and they want to win. So we can sign George imo.

It's presumptuous to assume Paul is going to consider Boston. If young talent is all that matters, why not consider Minnesota or Denver? And it was leaked at the trade deadline that Denver made a "monster" trade offer for him, but Paul made it known to them he had no interest in reupping there if he was traded. He might have a whole different list of priorities in terms of where he wants to play.

Sources leaking that he was "hell-bent" on the Lakers right around the deadline wasn't a coincidence. That's his people trying to scare off potential suitors. LA dangling young assets for him might be more about their impatience to add a star talent than them not believing in their chances. AND Paul would also benefit from being traded to LA as opposed to just signing in FA. They'd get his bird rights and can give him a fifth year.

I think if the Celtics choose so, they have a very good chance at signing Hayward. I mean we are already as good as the Jazz without Hayward. If he signs with us, we're not giving away an asset so our team will be better. So in that sense, I can't imagine him picking the Jazz over us. Besides we have the upside factor of Jaylen Brown's development. TBH, he's looked pretty dam good on offense in the playoffs for the limited amount he has played. Looks like a guy who can play against talented players to me.

We also have this years pick. There is a lot of upside on this team and basically every player on this team currently will be better next year. So yeah, I think we can sign Hayward. I think the focus will be on George however. It's going to be a bidding war for him.

I don't think there'll be a bidding war for George. If he wants to go to the Lakers, he'll make it clear and that'll be that. I don't see any team giving up good assets for him if he's saying he'll bolt. It'll be a redux of Denver trading Carmelo to the Knicks.

Lowe wrote in his Toronto Article that the Lakers are willing to offer their young assets for George. Just FYI. I wouldn't be so sure in believing those Laker reports. Lowe wouldn't be reporting the Lakers interest in a trade if the Lakers were confident they could sign him.

Let's just be honest here, He is going to consider Boston in free agency. Why wouldn't he? We're in a great situation and the team has young players who have played in the playoffs. They're going to get better. Imagine Smart at 25, Brown at 23, and Rozier at 25. That's not inluding this years pick and Zizic.

Besides, wasn't Shaq the last big free agent the Lakers landed? Carmelo blew them off. Westbrook didn't even hesitate to sign with the Thunder after all the Lakers reports came out. I can go on and on. ALdrige blew them off as well. Players want playing time, and they want to win. So we can sign George imo.

It's presumptuous to assume Paul is going to consider Boston. If young talent is all that matters, why not consider Minnesota or Denver? And it was leaked at the trade deadline that Denver made a "monster" trade offer for him, but Paul made it known to them he had no interest in reupping there if he was traded. He might have a whole different list of priorities in terms of where he wants to play.

Sources leaking that he was "hell-bent" on the Lakers right around the deadline wasn't a coincidence. That's his people trying to scare off potential suitors. LA dangling young assets for him might be more about their impatience to add a star talent than them not believing in their chances. AND Paul would also benefit from being traded to LA as opposed to just signing in FA. They'd get his bird rights and can give him a fifth year.

Because those teams don't make the playoffs? They didn't win 50 games? I mean just look at our team objectively. We're going to improve every year. Bradley and Crowder even have room for growth. Horford is the only one who will decline tbh. And by the way, there is a reason we had a meeting with Durant and signed Horford last offseason. Players will want to play here.

We'll see what happens. I still have my doubts about George. If you're only argument is that he wants to go to the Lakers because he grew up there, then that really isn't an argument. Also, he was a Clippers fan growing up. Just FYI.

Because those teams don't make the playoffs? They didn't win 50 games? I mean just look at our team objectively. We're going to improve every year. Bradley and Crowder even have room for growth. Horford is the only one who will decline tbh. And by the way, there is a reason we had a meeting with Durant and signed Horford last offseason. Players will want to play here.

We'll see what happens. I still have my doubts about George. If you're only argument is that he wants to go to the Lakers because he grew up there, then that really isn't an argument. Also, he was a Clippers fan growing up. Just FYI.

If you could point out where I made this argument, I'd really appreciate it.

My argument was that I don't think all those leaks to Woj and Marc Stein happened around the trade deadline accidentally. Those guys have direct contact with player agents. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

And I am looking at our team objectively, we're good but we don't have any "young" guy on our roster with as much potential as a Karl Anthony Town or even Andrew Wiggins. Crowder's actually regressed. Avery will be an FA that offseason and will be looking to cash in. IT will also be an FA and looking at a max deal. Marcus Smart will be a restricted FA. Are we retaining those guys or letting them walk? If we keep them, we may not even have cap to go after Paul in free agency. If we don't keep them, we're pitching Paul with what?

Denver and Minnesota where two random teams I mentioned, but you could also add in the Wizards to that list. Depending on what Washington does this offseason, they could have max room in 2018. I think pairing up with John Wall and Bradley Beal would be an infinitely better situation. But again, if the leaks where true and he wants LA, then that's where he goes.

Because those teams don't make the playoffs? They didn't win 50 games? I mean just look at our team objectively. We're going to improve every year. Bradley and Crowder even have room for growth. Horford is the only one who will decline tbh. And by the way, there is a reason we had a meeting with Durant and signed Horford last offseason. Players will want to play here.

We'll see what happens. I still have my doubts about George. If you're only argument is that he wants to go to the Lakers because he grew up there, then that really isn't an argument. Also, he was a Clippers fan growing up. Just FYI.

If you could point out where I made this argument, I'd really appreciate it.

My argument was that I don't think all those leaks to Woj and Marc Stein happened around the trade deadline accidentally. Those guys have direct contact with player agents. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

And I am looking at our team objectively, we're good but we don't have any "young" guy on our roster with as much potential as a Karl Anthony Town or even Andrew Wiggins. Crowder's actually regressed. Avery will be an FA that offseason and will be looking to cash in. IT will also be an FA and looking at a max deal. Marcus Smart will be a restricted FA. Are we retaining those guys or letting them walk? If we keep them, we may not even have cap to go after Paul in free agency. If we don't keep them, we're pitching Paul with what?

Denver and Minnesota where two random teams I mentioned, but you could also add in the Wizards to that list. Depending on what Washington does this offseason, they could have max room in 2018. I think pairing up with John Wall and Bradley Beal would be an infinitely better situation. But again, if the leaks where true and he wants LA, then that's where he goes.

Yes those guys are saying that he wants to go to LA because he grew up there...And I don't believe it because those guys have linked Westbrook, Aldridge, Melo, Lebron, etc to the Lakers and nothing happened.

Yeah Washington could work if the can create the cap space. But you mentioned Denver and Minn, and I explained why he wouldn't be interested.

It seems like you are saying the Celtics as a team won't get better. If you don't believe in Brown as a player, which I personally do, then that is the crux of our disagreement. I think and, I believe the league views the Celtics future as bright as numerous articles have pointed out. Lowe, O'Connor, Stein, Woj, Mannix, etc. If you don't agree, then that's your perspective and I can't change your projection on the team.

Me on the other hand, I'm confident we'll be really good with or without George.

Because those teams don't make the playoffs? They didn't win 50 games? I mean just look at our team objectively. We're going to improve every year. Bradley and Crowder even have room for growth. Horford is the only one who will decline tbh. And by the way, there is a reason we had a meeting with Durant and signed Horford last offseason. Players will want to play here.

We'll see what happens. I still have my doubts about George. If you're only argument is that he wants to go to the Lakers because he grew up there, then that really isn't an argument. Also, he was a Clippers fan growing up. Just FYI.

If you could point out where I made this argument, I'd really appreciate it.

My argument was that I don't think all those leaks to Woj and Marc Stein happened around the trade deadline accidentally. Those guys have direct contact with player agents. Where there's smoke, there's fire.

And I am looking at our team objectively, we're good but we don't have any "young" guy on our roster with as much potential as a Karl Anthony Town or even Andrew Wiggins. Crowder's actually regressed. Avery will be an FA that offseason and will be looking to cash in. IT will also be an FA and looking at a max deal. Marcus Smart will be a restricted FA. Are we retaining those guys or letting them walk? If we keep them, we may not even have cap to go after Paul in free agency. If we don't keep them, we're pitching Paul with what?

Denver and Minnesota where two random teams I mentioned, but you could also add in the Wizards to that list. Depending on what Washington does this offseason, they could have max room in 2018. I think pairing up with John Wall and Bradley Beal would be an infinitely better situation. But again, if the leaks where true and he wants LA, then that's where he goes.

Yes those guys are saying that he wants to go to LA because he grew up there...And I don't believe it because those guys have linked Westbrook, Aldridge, Melo, Lebron, etc to the Lakers and nothing happened.

Yeah Washington could work if the can create the cap space. But you mentioned Denver and Minn, and I explained why he wouldn't be interested.

It seems like you are saying the Celtics as a team won't get better. If you don't believe in Brown as a player, which I personally do, then that is the crux of our disagreement. I think and, I believe the league views the Celtics future as bright as numerous articles have pointed out. Lowe, O'Connor, Stein, Woj, Mannix, etc. If you don't agree, then that's your perspective and I can't change your projection on the team.

Me on the other hand, I'm confident we'll be really good with or without George.

I think the crux of our disagreement is that you're inferring things I never said.

While I don't think we have anyone coming up that is on the caliber of Karl Anthony Towns or Andrew Wiggins, that doesn't mean I don't "believe" in Jaylen. Those two thoughts aren't mutually exclusive.

3 of our top 5 guys who helped us get to 50 wins - Isaiah, Avery, and Marcus - are going to be FA's in 2018 along with George. You can't sign him and resign all of them. Realistically, I don't think you can sign 2 of that group for market value and still have a crack at George at max money. IT is going to want max money. Avery is going to be in the $18m-$20m range. If you're taking some of those guys out of the mix, you're lessening what you're selling George in FA. If you're pitch is an aging Horford, Jaylen, and picks, are you that much above the rest of the crop that you can absolutely say you're getting a meeting with George? If one of the above 3 guys is in the mix, is that enough or does that kill your cap space anyway?

Houston’s offense in crunch time is garbage. They spend like 15 or 20 seconds doing literally nothing, and then it’s Harden either turning it over and complaining about a foul and not getting back on d, or taking a dumb contested 3. I can’t believe they can’t just function like do throughout the game. Pick and roll with Harden, and if the defense collapses, kick it out for 3. They weren’t even getting to the pick part of that in overtime.

How the hell does Shaq have a doctorate? The dude is dumb as hell and is never prepared with the requisite information for the show.

KO hurt Love's shoulder in that incident a couple of years back, but Shaq was arguing that he put him in an armbar, which is an elbow hyperextension hold. He's arguing that KO is dirty, but he doesn't even know what injury Love had...

How the hell does Shaq have a doctorate? The dude is dumb as hell and is never prepared with the requisite information for the show.

KO hurt Love's shoulder in that incident a couple of years back, but Shaq was arguing that he put him in an armbar, which is an elbow hyperextension hold. He's arguing that KO is dirty, but he doesn't even know what injury Love had...

I think olynyk reminds the old guys of Laimbeer...which is ****ing ridiculous because they are almost nothing alike except for the fact that they are 7 footers that can shoot 3s

Spurs will play them close some games but Warriors just have too much firepower.

ALSO, losing Parker could hurt SAS a lot, even though they are blowing out HOU right now w/o Leonard and Parker.

Spurs might win a game, I'd be really surprised if they got 2. I've said from the beginning of the playoffs, that I don't think any team even gives Golden State a series (including the Cavs). I just don't see how they lose as long as they are healthy.

Total class by the Spurs. No showboating, no dancing, cheering, laughing on the sidelines, or anything. Just pure business all the way through and then classy handshakes and well wishes to the opponent. Other teams including the Celtics could learn from that.

Total class by the Spurs. No showboating, no dancing, cheering, laughing on the sidelines, or anything. Just pure business all the way through and then classy handshakes and well wishes to the opponent. Other teams including the Celtics could learn from that.

Fair dues to San Antonio. I doubted them all year and still do to be honest. Very surprised they made it this far (Conference Finals). GSW should make short work of them. Still though, a great season for them to make it this far without Tim Duncan.

Hate Zaza. Only reason why i rather have the Cavs win than the Warriors ::)

I have a couple other reasons: KD picking the Super team over us. Draymond Green calling KO a dirty player. But I want San Antonio to beat them and if the Cavs are in the finals I would go with San Antonio over the Cavs but obviously I go with Celts to win it all.

There is so much fouling in the nba that does not get called. All the stars foul almost all the time when they drive, and it is never called. LeBron does it Durant just did it on that drive. It is impossible to guard these players when they are allowed to whack you as they drive to the basket.

I like it when San Antonio gets Aldridge the ball on the move. Get him closer to the basket with the defender not set against him. When they go straight into the post up, Aldridge is getting pushed further from the basket and taking harder shots.

Spurs guards gotta do a better job of getting Aldridge the ball in better spots.

I know it's probably absurd to criticize him after 28 points and 8 rebounds...

But Aldridge was really disappointing in the final 5 minutes. Besides a few shots he made late in the game to get SAS up 104-103, he was missing too many other shots and didn't rebound well late which allowed GSW to get some offensive rebounds.

Too many bad fadeaway jumpers that the Warriors were content in letting him have. Reminded me of Crowder and his ill-advised, contested 3s :o

Obviously this is largely influenced by the injury to Leonard, but this really stinks. Live in the bay area and these games are usually fun to watch and good events. Most people don't even seem to care there is a game today at the moment. I feel like i have gotten cheated out of the playoffs between this and the mediocre play in other series. Hopefully we at least have a good ECF that goes 6 or more. Sweep in ECF would cement this as the least competitive and compelling playoffs every (pre-finals anyways)

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

Yeah I saw it. PURE GOLD.

Unfortunately I don't know how to add it here either... :(

There you go

(https://media.giphy.com/media/M46dIStn5RajS/giphy.gif)

TP!

Now I just hope Lebron doesn't do that to us tomorrow :P

yeah, didn't appreciate the flip version of that being played by TNT after that disaster of game 2

Looks like we're facing the warriors next. Interesting. Smart and Bradley should be able to lock up Curry and Thompson more often now without thomas on defense. We stack up very well against warriors at least on paper

Looks like we're facing the warriors next. Interesting. Smart and Bradley should be able to lock up Curry and Thompson more often now without thomas on defense. We stack up very well against warriors at least on paper

We need to finish up the CAVS so we can get some rest before the finals!

did you see the little funny antimated thing of Lucky the Leprechaun spanking Lebron ? its the funniest thing ever , i don't know how to copy it ....im computer chanllenged , but it belongs on the Celtic blog.

Yeah I saw it. PURE GOLD.

Unfortunately I don't know how to add it here either... :(

There you go

(https://media.giphy.com/media/M46dIStn5RajS/giphy.gif)

TP!

Now I just hope Lebron doesn't do that to us tomorrow :P

yeah, didn't appreciate the flip version of that being played by TNT after that disaster of game 2

It occurs to me that in both versions of his gif, it's Lebron James (single person) and Lucky (representative of the entire team). Individual versus team, even though the Cavs have 2 other all stars on their roster.